Yolo County Releases Draft of Updated General Plan

share

Draft General Plan Document Released

[FROM COUNTY PRESS RELEASE] (Woodland, CA) – Today, the Yolo County Draft General Plan was released to the public. On September 16, a joint meeting of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission will be held to receive a presentation on the Draft General Plan. The General Plan is the basic document used by local government in land use planning. It provides the comprehensive long-term plan for the physical development of the county, and is often referred to as “the constitution” of the county. All cities and counties are required, under state law, to have one.

The last update was in 1983, based on the county’s original General Plan from 1958. In May 2003, the Board of Supervisors gave direction to begin the current General Plan update process. This is only the third time in the county’s history that the General Plan has been comprehensively updated. While the fundamental land use goals of promoting agriculture and directing urban growth to the cities have not changed, circumstances facing the county have changed. Agriculture requires flexibility to allow it to branch out into processing and tourism related businesses. Similarly, several of the county’s small towns require new infrastructure, investment, and services that can accompany well-designed growth. There is also a greater need for economic development to provide growth and stability to the county revenues that pay for local services. This General Plan update allows the county to examine these issues and chart a course for the future that meets these challenges.

Yolo County is 653,549 acres in size, of which 32,325 acres (just under 5%) lies within the four incorporated cities. Currently, approximately 23,265 residents live in 7,263 homes within the remaining 95% of the county, along side 430 acres of job-producing commercial and industrial land. Under the existing 1983 General Plan, another 11,240 residents, 4,014 homes, and 1,440 acres of commercial and industrial land could be added. The Preferred Land Use Alternative, adopted by the Board of Supervisors on September 18, 2007, is the basis for creating the General Plan update. In addition to the 1983 General Plan, it would allow for another 26,600 residents, 9,500 homes, and 901 acres of economic development through the year 2030.

The four primary proposed land use changes that account for these increases include:

New commercial and industrial development in Elkhorn (320 job-producing acres)

Conversion to industrial at Spreckels site (69 job-producing acres)

The growth in Dunnigan and Madison is reflective of a desire by the Board of Supervisors to ensure the future sustainability of these communities, including a minimum population to support basic community services as well as carefully structured land uses to ensure that the number and price of homes roughly match the number and wages of local jobs. The growth in Elkhorn and Spreckels is supportive of the Board of Supervisors’ economic development priorities and both highlight site-specific resource opportunities of the county. It should be noted that development in Knights Landing and Esparto is already planned under the 1983 General Plan.

New policy directions in the proposed Draft General Plan focus on the following primary themes:

The continuing primacy of agriculture and related endeavors throughout the county, by allowing for more economic innovation and aggressively protecting the water and soil resources upon which farming depends.

Modest managed growth within existing towns, accompanied by improvements to infrastructure and services to ensure community sustainability.

Expanded protection of a network of connected open space and recreational areas, integrated with the Yolo Natural Heritage Program.

Opportunities for revenue-producing and job-producing agricultural, industrial, and commercial growth in designated locations and along key transportation corridors.

Manage the existing road network to make the most of existing capacity, while accommodating a diversity of users and alternative modes of transportation.

Service levels that allow for the effective and efficient provision of services, consistent with rural values and expectations.

A comprehensive approach to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and plan for the potential impacts of global climate change.

New emphasis on community and neighborhood requirements that reflect “smart growth” and “healthy design” principles, which complement the unique character of existing developed areas.

All Yolo County residents are urged to follow this important process which will shape the future of Yolo County. Comments on the document will be accepted by the Planning and Public Works Department through November 20, 2008. To view the Draft General Plan, the schedule of upcoming public meetings, or to find additional general information on the General Plan update, visit: www.yolocountygeneralplan.org.

Hard copies of the Draft General Plan are available for viewing and check-out at all Yolo County library branches (visit: www.yolocountylibrary.org for branch locations) and the Yolo County Planning & Public Works (PPW) Department (292 West Beamer Street in Woodland). Hard copies of the Draft General Plan are available for purchase at PPW for $50.00 or on CD for $4.50.

Commentary

Last summer the city of Davis and Yolo County over the extent to which the city of Davis could control growth on its borders. The city at that point argued that the pass-through agreement gave the city primary land use authority in areas covered by the agreement and any attempt by the county to study the issue would be put the agreement in jeopardy and cause the city to withhold its roughly $2 million per year that it sends from its redevelopment agency to the county in exchange for the county ceding land use authority.

Under strong pressure from residents of Davis including a united from of the Davis City Council, the county almost at the last second reversed course and tabled further talk about creating special study areas on the border of Davis. What is interesting is that after that time, there was insistence by some that this issue was not over. That any tabling of discussion was merely temporary and that the county could reopen the issue at any point in time.

At least in the Davis form of the General Plan that is not the case. Residential growth for the most part appears to be limited to two primary locations–Dunnigan and Madison–ironically enough two areas that had re-entry facilities proposed. As I understand it, Dunnigan for instance has actually lobbied the board for more growth rather than less. I do not know if it is the same in Madison.

There is an interesting article in this morning’s Sacramento Bee that Madison now seeks to fight against the re-entry facility. I mention this because while they are not talking about creating a new city in Madison as they are in Dunnigan, adding 3600 residents to the existing population will likely strongly change the current character of Madison. Arguments that there lacks sufficient instruction in Madison miss the point that the infrastructure is going to have to come anyway in order for it to add 3600 residents in the next general plan period.

That is really an aside in the issue of the re-entry facility, but it is interesting to note. As the release says, comments are due by November 20, 2008, so we will see between now and then if this plan stirs up much dissent in Madison and Dunnigan. In the meantime, it does appear that Davis has prevailed in its efforts to determine its own growth. I am certain some will have disparaging remarks to make about that. From my perspective all communities should determine how much they grow and how their character will change. People like to use the term NIMBY but then they forget that people sink their life savings into their homes and property, I guess it’s easy to disparage someone else’s efforts.

—Doug Paul Davis reporting

share

About The Author

David Greenwald is the founder, editor, and executive director of the Davis Vanguard. He founded the Vanguard in 2006. David Greenwald moved to Davis in 1996 to attend Graduate School at UC Davis in Political Science. He lives in South Davis with his wife Cecilia Escamilla Greenwald and three children.

32 thoughts on “Yolo County Releases Draft of Updated General Plan”

The re-entry facility issue seems to ignore the effect on County quality of life. I don’t know how to incorporate that important factor into a General Plan other than to oppose any proposed developments.I think that the re-entry facility is poorly located because the inmates generally do not come from rural areas or from Yolo County. The re-entry facility should be located in the communities where the inmates came from.

The re-entry facility issue seems to ignore the effect on County quality of life. I don’t know how to incorporate that important factor into a General Plan other than to oppose any proposed developments.I think that the re-entry facility is poorly located because the inmates generally do not come from rural areas or from Yolo County. The re-entry facility should be located in the communities where the inmates came from.

The re-entry facility issue seems to ignore the effect on County quality of life. I don’t know how to incorporate that important factor into a General Plan other than to oppose any proposed developments.I think that the re-entry facility is poorly located because the inmates generally do not come from rural areas or from Yolo County. The re-entry facility should be located in the communities where the inmates came from.

The re-entry facility issue seems to ignore the effect on County quality of life. I don’t know how to incorporate that important factor into a General Plan other than to oppose any proposed developments.I think that the re-entry facility is poorly located because the inmates generally do not come from rural areas or from Yolo County. The re-entry facility should be located in the communities where the inmates came from.

“Opportunities for revenue-producing and job-producing agricultural, industrial, and commercial growth in designated locations and along key transportation corridors.”

This is the one the Bd of Sups needs to take to heart. Instead of using building houses as a way of generating tax revenue for the county – which it doesn’t – they need to try to find ways of inviting “suitable” business into the county. Thus far, I don’t think the Bd of Sups has done any such thing – other than as a payback for campaign contributions from housing developers.

“Opportunities for revenue-producing and job-producing agricultural, industrial, and commercial growth in designated locations and along key transportation corridors.”

This is the one the Bd of Sups needs to take to heart. Instead of using building houses as a way of generating tax revenue for the county – which it doesn’t – they need to try to find ways of inviting “suitable” business into the county. Thus far, I don’t think the Bd of Sups has done any such thing – other than as a payback for campaign contributions from housing developers.

“Opportunities for revenue-producing and job-producing agricultural, industrial, and commercial growth in designated locations and along key transportation corridors.”

This is the one the Bd of Sups needs to take to heart. Instead of using building houses as a way of generating tax revenue for the county – which it doesn’t – they need to try to find ways of inviting “suitable” business into the county. Thus far, I don’t think the Bd of Sups has done any such thing – other than as a payback for campaign contributions from housing developers.

“Opportunities for revenue-producing and job-producing agricultural, industrial, and commercial growth in designated locations and along key transportation corridors.”

This is the one the Bd of Sups needs to take to heart. Instead of using building houses as a way of generating tax revenue for the county – which it doesn’t – they need to try to find ways of inviting “suitable” business into the county. Thus far, I don’t think the Bd of Sups has done any such thing – other than as a payback for campaign contributions from housing developers.

“The re-entry facility should be located in the communities where the inmates came from.”

“Why is that?”

Because the re-entry concept is supposed to prepare inmates to return back into the communities from which they came and to provide them with the skill sets to succeed at finding viable jobs within those same communities. And, furthermore, the program is also intended to facilitate integrating these individuals back into the families and other relationships they once had. This latter objective is achieved through counseling and support services that are provided not only to the returning inmates, but to their families as well.

“The re-entry facility should be located in the communities where the inmates came from.”

“Why is that?”

Because the re-entry concept is supposed to prepare inmates to return back into the communities from which they came and to provide them with the skill sets to succeed at finding viable jobs within those same communities. And, furthermore, the program is also intended to facilitate integrating these individuals back into the families and other relationships they once had. This latter objective is achieved through counseling and support services that are provided not only to the returning inmates, but to their families as well.

“The re-entry facility should be located in the communities where the inmates came from.”

“Why is that?”

Because the re-entry concept is supposed to prepare inmates to return back into the communities from which they came and to provide them with the skill sets to succeed at finding viable jobs within those same communities. And, furthermore, the program is also intended to facilitate integrating these individuals back into the families and other relationships they once had. This latter objective is achieved through counseling and support services that are provided not only to the returning inmates, but to their families as well.

“The re-entry facility should be located in the communities where the inmates came from.”

“Why is that?”

Because the re-entry concept is supposed to prepare inmates to return back into the communities from which they came and to provide them with the skill sets to succeed at finding viable jobs within those same communities. And, furthermore, the program is also intended to facilitate integrating these individuals back into the families and other relationships they once had. This latter objective is achieved through counseling and support services that are provided not only to the returning inmates, but to their families as well.

I understand all of that, but neither the county nor the state are going to build facilities in every single community in the county from which inmates comes from. So from that perspective what difference does it make if the facility goes in Woodland, Davis, or Madison?

I understand all of that, but neither the county nor the state are going to build facilities in every single community in the county from which inmates comes from. So from that perspective what difference does it make if the facility goes in Woodland, Davis, or Madison?

I understand all of that, but neither the county nor the state are going to build facilities in every single community in the county from which inmates comes from. So from that perspective what difference does it make if the facility goes in Woodland, Davis, or Madison?

I understand all of that, but neither the county nor the state are going to build facilities in every single community in the county from which inmates comes from. So from that perspective what difference does it make if the facility goes in Woodland, Davis, or Madison?

It actually makes a big difference on a number of levels. You are already aware of the issues of infrastructure, so to belabor that point would be gratuitously redundant.

For Yolo County, most of the inmates come from Davis, Woodland and West Sacramento, therefore, from a logistical standpoint, the re-entry facility should be located as close as possible to those urban areas. The broad range of support services that the inmates will be relying on to assist them in the transition back into society and, specifically, their communities will come predominately from these same communities and probably even the greater Sacramento region. These same resource services will undoubtedly have other clients whom they serve (meaning that they are not specifically dedicated to just the re-entry facility). What all of this translates into is an incredible increase in the carbon footprint signature if the facility goes into a rural location such as Madison.

Because the inmates will end up being housed in the same county from which they originally came, there is a significant likelihood that they will have family and friends traveling to take advantage of weekend visitation opportunities. For facility employees, contract vendors and support services, there will be daily transportation impacts wherever the facility is placed. However, the greater the distance between X and Y, the more collective fuel consumption there will be and, ultimately, the greater the carbon footprint. So, you see, siting the facility in Madison runs counter to the current model for ecological considerations. It isn’t very economical either.

It actually makes a big difference on a number of levels. You are already aware of the issues of infrastructure, so to belabor that point would be gratuitously redundant.

For Yolo County, most of the inmates come from Davis, Woodland and West Sacramento, therefore, from a logistical standpoint, the re-entry facility should be located as close as possible to those urban areas. The broad range of support services that the inmates will be relying on to assist them in the transition back into society and, specifically, their communities will come predominately from these same communities and probably even the greater Sacramento region. These same resource services will undoubtedly have other clients whom they serve (meaning that they are not specifically dedicated to just the re-entry facility). What all of this translates into is an incredible increase in the carbon footprint signature if the facility goes into a rural location such as Madison.

Because the inmates will end up being housed in the same county from which they originally came, there is a significant likelihood that they will have family and friends traveling to take advantage of weekend visitation opportunities. For facility employees, contract vendors and support services, there will be daily transportation impacts wherever the facility is placed. However, the greater the distance between X and Y, the more collective fuel consumption there will be and, ultimately, the greater the carbon footprint. So, you see, siting the facility in Madison runs counter to the current model for ecological considerations. It isn’t very economical either.

It actually makes a big difference on a number of levels. You are already aware of the issues of infrastructure, so to belabor that point would be gratuitously redundant.

For Yolo County, most of the inmates come from Davis, Woodland and West Sacramento, therefore, from a logistical standpoint, the re-entry facility should be located as close as possible to those urban areas. The broad range of support services that the inmates will be relying on to assist them in the transition back into society and, specifically, their communities will come predominately from these same communities and probably even the greater Sacramento region. These same resource services will undoubtedly have other clients whom they serve (meaning that they are not specifically dedicated to just the re-entry facility). What all of this translates into is an incredible increase in the carbon footprint signature if the facility goes into a rural location such as Madison.

Because the inmates will end up being housed in the same county from which they originally came, there is a significant likelihood that they will have family and friends traveling to take advantage of weekend visitation opportunities. For facility employees, contract vendors and support services, there will be daily transportation impacts wherever the facility is placed. However, the greater the distance between X and Y, the more collective fuel consumption there will be and, ultimately, the greater the carbon footprint. So, you see, siting the facility in Madison runs counter to the current model for ecological considerations. It isn’t very economical either.

It actually makes a big difference on a number of levels. You are already aware of the issues of infrastructure, so to belabor that point would be gratuitously redundant.

For Yolo County, most of the inmates come from Davis, Woodland and West Sacramento, therefore, from a logistical standpoint, the re-entry facility should be located as close as possible to those urban areas. The broad range of support services that the inmates will be relying on to assist them in the transition back into society and, specifically, their communities will come predominately from these same communities and probably even the greater Sacramento region. These same resource services will undoubtedly have other clients whom they serve (meaning that they are not specifically dedicated to just the re-entry facility). What all of this translates into is an incredible increase in the carbon footprint signature if the facility goes into a rural location such as Madison.

Because the inmates will end up being housed in the same county from which they originally came, there is a significant likelihood that they will have family and friends traveling to take advantage of weekend visitation opportunities. For facility employees, contract vendors and support services, there will be daily transportation impacts wherever the facility is placed. However, the greater the distance between X and Y, the more collective fuel consumption there will be and, ultimately, the greater the carbon footprint. So, you see, siting the facility in Madison runs counter to the current model for ecological considerations. It isn’t very economical either.

“I think that’s a difficult prospect–trying to bring in business to rural areas in order to generate significant amounts of revenue.”

Well you certainly won’t if you don’t try. How about locating business along Hwy 113, Rt 80, I-5? Trust me, eventually it will happen. Why not sooner than later. Continually relying on state funding isn’t working, now is it?

“I think that’s a difficult prospect–trying to bring in business to rural areas in order to generate significant amounts of revenue.”

Well you certainly won’t if you don’t try. How about locating business along Hwy 113, Rt 80, I-5? Trust me, eventually it will happen. Why not sooner than later. Continually relying on state funding isn’t working, now is it?

“I think that’s a difficult prospect–trying to bring in business to rural areas in order to generate significant amounts of revenue.”

Well you certainly won’t if you don’t try. How about locating business along Hwy 113, Rt 80, I-5? Trust me, eventually it will happen. Why not sooner than later. Continually relying on state funding isn’t working, now is it?

“I think that’s a difficult prospect–trying to bring in business to rural areas in order to generate significant amounts of revenue.”

Well you certainly won’t if you don’t try. How about locating business along Hwy 113, Rt 80, I-5? Trust me, eventually it will happen. Why not sooner than later. Continually relying on state funding isn’t working, now is it?

Our Advertisers

About Us

The Vanguard provides the Davis Community with incisive in-depth coverage of local government on a wide variety of issues. Since 2006, The Vanguard has provided Davis and Yolo County with some of the best groundbreaking news coverage on local government and policy issues affecting our city, our schools, the county, and the Sacramento Region.

Twitter

We are most of the way there - we have just $760 left to raise this month until we reach our $4000 goal. We’ve don… https://t.co/jWPVB0ZNEa

RT @latimes: At least 63 professional journalists were killed around the world this year. This is a 15% increase from last year, cites Repo…